What are the different types of mouthguards and what mouthguard is best for you are some of the most common questions on mouthguards. An old adage says that a smiling face is the best looking face. And yet, how many of us feel confident to wear a winning smile all day? Not many. The reason for our hesitation could be multifold – distorted teeth, misaligned jaw-line, stains, etc. While advanced dental treatments do help fix these issues for the long term, mouth guards can also protect your teeth against damage.

Nightguards for Bruxism

Bruxism is a medical condition where we frequently grind our teeth. This is often triggered by fear, stress and anxiety, and can hence get worse at night when we feel less in control. It also damages your teeth with the potential for gum inflammation too!

If you are a serial teeth grinder, the nightguard is your type of mouthguard. It is fittingly named, as it is meant to be worn without discomfort during sleep. An added bonus is the enhanced quality of restfulness you may experience with your teeth less restless all night.

Splints for TMJ disorders

Temporomandibular joint or TMJ is a jaw-disorder suspected to affect more than 10 million Americans. If you find yourself frequently experiencing frequent discomfort around your jaw/ teeth joints, pain near your ears, lock jaw, facial aches and other jaw related pains, you may be potentially suffering from TMJ.

A mouthguard or a night splint can provide immediate relief, while also aligning your jaw for long-term benefits. Since this is triggered by a medical condition, do ensure that you check with your dentist before using a mouthguard as a possible fix.

Mouthguards for protection from injuries

If you are an active athlete or enjoy frequently getting dirty with a ball on the field, your body is likely to take its share of hits and misses. This includes your mouth, which may be especially vulnerable while playing football, soccer, hockey and other active sports. For this, a mouth guard for sports is the straightforward solution to protect your teeth from risk of injury. Also, you only wear it when you’re playing.

Over the counter Stockguards

Regardless of the type of mouthguard you seek, a stockguard is the kind that is easily available over the counter, often without prescription, so you can quickly tap into its many benefits. Unfortunately, this also means that one size is expected to fit all, which may or may not address your unique situation.

Boil-and-bite mouthguards

Don’t let the quirky name put you off. They mean it literally but in a non-threatening way, as this type is more customizable than stockguards. Here, you put the mouthguard in hot water, making it malleable, and then put it into your mouth (while it’s still warm), so it aligns itself to the shape of your jaws and teeth. As you can guess, this is a step up over stockguards.

Custom-made mouthguards

These are more expensive but are perfectly customized for you. These are also recommended if you are treating a long-term condition (like TMJ, Bruxism, etc.) In this, your dentist takes precise measurements of your jaw and teeth, before ordering a mouth guard individualized for your unique pearly whites. This also means that they fit without discomfort and last significantly longer than other types of mouthguards.

Do Insurances cover mouthguards?

Several insurances have coverages for mouthguards especially if the dentist prescribes them for Bruxism. At Sunshine Smiles Dentistry we see patients who have Aetna, United HealthCare, Delta Dental and several other dental insurances. Even if you do not have dental insurance we can offer you an in house membership plan to make mouthguards more affordable for you.

What type of mouthguard should you choose?

Our local dentists near Roswell, Georgia at Sunshine Smiles Dentistry has years of experience in recommending the right mouth protection treatments, including custom mouthguards for every type of face. Book an online appointment to find the perfect mouthguard for your face today.

How many of us can claim ownership to the “perfect” smile, or at least a smile that we feel proud of? Crooked teeth, deformed teeth, protruding teeth, chipped teeth, or simply badly aligned teeth are often the bane of many an American. This is a medical problem, and dental technology has a straightforward and guaranteed solution to it: braces. Here are 5 benefits of using clear braces/aligners.

And yet, how many of us are willing to embrace this solution, especially if we’re past our early teens? Sadly, not many. We look at an increasingly popular alternative to conventional braces.

Clear braces, also referred to as invisible aligners (Invisalign or ClearCorrect), make it both feasible and advantageous to straighten teeth even during adulthood. Read on to discover 5 undeniable benefits of this rising technology.

1.    Clear braces are less obvious and hence less embarrassing

Almost no teen or adult would want to advertise their need for braces in order to rectify teeth misalignment. In fact, traditional metal braces can be uncomfortable and cause embarrassment to some patients. The wearer might even be bestowed with the unfortunate title of being a “metal mouth”! Fortunately, clear braces deliver what they promise – near invisibility of the dental aids used between your teeth, so you can smile without restrictions and with uninhibited glee.

2.    Plastic composition is user-friendly

Yes, clear braces are made from clear plastic (as opposed to clunky metal braces), and hence make it easier to bear daily wear and tear. If you’ve struggled with clearing debris from metal braces, then you can recognize this for the huge advantage it is.

3.    Easily removable and hence more versatile

Conventional metal braces can seem like a one-way street for your teeth, as you’re required to wear them until your teeth are completely straightened. In contrast, clear braces can be easily slid off without a dentist’s supervision, so you can take them off during important events like a work presentation or a social gathering, and slide them back easily when convenient, and without drawing undue attention.

4.    Seamlessly fits into modern lifestyles

Metal braces can restrict what you eat, especially in public. For instance, the last thing you want as an adult is to be caught picking your lunch noodle still stuck between your (metal) teeth! The possibility of this happening with clear braces is significantly lower. You can even remove your braces when eating in public for enhanced comfort. This also makes it easier for cleaning.

5.    Results are quick and progressive

With conventional braces, you often have to wait until the dental aids have reshaped your teeth for visible results. This can be a year or two or even more for many people! Clear aligners may deliver similar results in a relatively shorter period. For this reason, they also need to be refitted by a dentist every 6 weeks, as your teeth visibly changes shape and form in alignment with the braces.

These 5 benefits of using Clear braces show you that they are the right orthodontic solution that every teen or adult wishing for the perfect smile needs. Our dedicated Roswell Cosmetic Dentist at Sunshine Smiles Dentistry is specialized in helping teens and adults reshape and rediscover their perfect smile with clear braces. We also accept Aetna, MetLife, Delta Dental and many other insurances. Book an online appointment today for a fulfilling treatment experience.

Mouth Cancer Screening at the Dentist

No doubt about it – “Cancer” is a scary term, and its manifestation in any form can be detrimental or even fatal to your health! This includes mouth cancer, also called oral cancer. As the country marks “Mouth Cancer Awareness Month”, you should know that certain lifestyle and genetic factors may make you more susceptible to it.

These may include:

• Regular tobacco usage
• Regular alcohol usage – yes, especially for women
• Unprotected exposure to sun, as this leaves you vulnerable to lip cancer
• Genetic history with this disease
• Gender, as men are statistically known to be more vulnerable as women

Fortunately, you can ask your dentist to screen you for this dreaded disease well before it turns actually life threatening. Read on to discover how your dentist can screen you for cancer.

A visual exam

Have you observed how your dentist gently nudges your face/ chin in various directions, during the first few minutes of every visit? This may seem annoying or even funny, but what they are doing in reality, is visually checking your mouth for potentially cancerous lumps and bumps. They may even use visual aids like a torchlight, mirror, tongue depressor, etc. to look more deeply into your mouth.

If you wish to voluntarily trigger such an exam, do remove all dental aids from your mouth before you ask for a check up. This includes braces, dentures, jewelry, etc. as they can interfere in the visual inspection.

A physical exam

This is similar to the visual exam, but with additional tactile inspections. For instance, the dentist may ask you to open your mouth, put your tongue out and take a deep breath, as they continue feeling around your chin/ mouth for cancerous lumps. 

In the early stages, this should also be relatively painless. Conversely, if you feel pain during such an exam, do alert your dentist, as this could point to a troublesome spot in your mouth.

A formal screening device

With technological advancements in modern dentistry, screening tools are now available to help your dentist check more thoroughly for cancer-related signs and symptoms. Your dentist may go through your genetic history, medical history and lifestyle habits with you, so they know which areas of your mouth are potentially prone to disease.

Do note, screenings are not equivalent to diagnosis, but can alert you to the potential of risk.

In closing, oral cancer is a real threat to modern society. Do make sure you protect yourself from lip cancer, by using an ADA approved lip balm when you’re out in the sun. Also, with current lifestyles, cancer-screenings are recommended at least twice a year. Do these along with your routine dentist visit. Be candid about your lifestyle choices – like indulgence of tobacco or alcohol. This information is crucial to helping your dentist spot a potential Cancer problem, well before it turns dangerous.

Schedule your dental exam and oral cancer screening with our dentist today

Our highly knowledgeable dentist near Roswell, Georgia is experienced in screening your mouth for any form of oral cancer. Book an online appointment today to ensure you are protected from oral problems. Also increase your chances of early detection of mouth cancer.

What Are Dental Sealants?

Dental sealants are thin plastic coatings that protect the chewing surfaces of the molars from tooth decay. The sealant’s protective shield acts as a barrier against food and germs and averts dental decay.

Our front teeth help in biting and tearing down food which our molars or back teeth can then grind down and chew on. The molars are more prone to cavities because of their position in the mouth and the deeper grooves that they have.

The molars and premolars that perform most of the chewing are more susceptible to cavities and decay. These are the teeth that most need the protection provided by a dental sealant.

How Do Dental Sealants Work?

There are around 500 to 1,000 types of oral bacteria in the human mouth. And 100 to 200 of them present at any given time. When the bacteria that lives in all our mouths encounter the remnants of food particles, they generate acid that erodes your tooth enamel and causes cavities.

Dental sealants seal off these cavities and grooves on the surface of your dentures while bonding to them. The sealant helps in keeping the food leftovers out and stops acidic accumulation on your teeth. This prevents further erosion of your tooth enamel by plaque and other acids.

Benefits from Early Application of Dental Sealants in Children

Children gain their permanent teeth between the age of six to twelve. The permanent premolars replace the primary premolars. Ideally, sealing these teeth immediately after they come out helps to keep them free of cavities from the outset, and saves time and money eventually. 

Although sealants are beneficial for all age groups, you must get them as early as possible to keep yourself protected from cavities. Consult your dentist to understand how you and your family can benefit from sealants.

As per the CDC, the incidence of cavities in school-going children without sealants is almost three times more than children with sealants.

How Are Dental Sealants Applied?

A dentist or a qualified dental professional can apply dental sealants subject to the law and regulations of the state that you are a resident of. A dental office is most appropriate for the procedure but it can also be carried out in community settings using portable equipment.  

Dental sealing is quick and painless. The dentist ensures that your teeth are clean and dry before applying an acidic gel on them. This gel quickly prepares the tooth surface for the sealant by making it coarse. Your dentist will then rinse the gel off, ensures that the surface is dry again, and applies the sealant. They then use a blue light to harden the sealant.

How Long Does the Dental Sealant Last?

According to the American Dental Association, dental sealants provide protection against fifty percent of the cavities for up to four years. With proper care and attention, your dental sealant can even last up to ten years. Your dentist can assess the sealant’s condition on your regular dental visits and recommend a repeat procedure as and when needed.

Comprehensive Dental Care for Your Family

A simple and painless procedure of applying dental sealants can go a long way in the fight against cavities and tooth decay for you and your family. We can look after your family’s needs for high quality dental care near Roswell, Georgia. Call today at 770-998-8116 or contact us online to schedule an appointment with us at Sunshine Smiles Dentistry.

As part of National Children’s Dental Health month, here are 5 tips to maintain Oral Health in Children.

Did you know that the month of February is special for your kids’ oral health? The American Dental Association (ADA) has commemorated it as the National Children’s Dental Health Month!

While oral and dental hygiene is important for the young and old alike, children can be more susceptible to attracting germs or tooth decay. In fact, statistics captured at the national level indicate that 20% of American children are likely to suffer with tooth decay, even before they turn 12! Fortunately, childhood is also the best time to detect and fix teeth related disorders.

Also, a few simple tips can go a long way in ensuring the oral health and hygiene of your child, even as you gift them a winning smile for life. Read on, to know more.

Tip 1: Introduce your infant to a real tooth fairy when they turn one

Children start developing (temporary) milk teeth when they are just 6 months old. As they grow older, this set will slowly fall off to be replaced with stronger, permanent teeth. This stage lasts until they are 14 years old. It is hence both ironic and fitting that this charming gap-toothed-phase is also termed the “ugly duckling phase”!

More importantly, this is the time when dentistry is both advisable and advantageous, for addressing tooth deformations and potential of genetic dental disorders (like gum disease). For this reason, the American dental association strongly recommends scheduling your child’s first dentist visit when they are one year old.

Tip 2: Begin brushing when they get their first tooth

Yes, you will need to start brushing your cherub’s teeth, the moment the first one appears! Begin with a soft-bristled toothbrush for infants, with a pea-sized amount of fluoride-free toothpaste. You can even brush with plain water, but it’s important to do this at least twice a day.

Tip 3: Induct them into a daily dental routine at 12 months

Just as you introduce your child to their dentist when they turn one, this is also a good time to inculcate them into a strong dental routine. This should include gentle brushing twice a day (under supervision, until they turn 6-7 years old), the 2-minute brushing rule when they turn 3, and a flossing habit when their (milk) teeth begin to touch.

A good idea is to engage them in picking out their own toothbrush, so they get excited about dental hygiene at a young age.

Tip 4: Don’t forget to help them “fight” cavities

Cavities can be the surprising bane of every child’s life, especially given their natural inclination to sugar during their sweet-toothed phase. Sugar is also the primary reason to insist on your child’s early induction into oral hygiene, as allowing them to go to bed with sugar sticking to their milk teeth, is a sure shot way to invite early tooth decay!

In fact, it is not unreasonable to train your child into brushing their teeth each time they consume a sugary treat. You can even make a game of it so they don’t get bored.

Tip 5: Schedule bi-annual visits with a local dentist to protect their smile

During the early growing years, ADA recommends a visit with your child’s dentist every 6 months. This will help them keep on top of potential problems, including detection of early tooth decay, discussion on dental disorders that run in your family, safe and complete cleaning of milk teeth, etc.

Our dental team will treat your children with love and empathy. Contact Sunshine Smiles Dentistry when looking for a dentist near Roswell, Georgia. Schedule an appointment today for a rewarding treatment experience.

Do You Really Need Teeth Crown Treatment?

Dental crowns are tooth-shaped prosthetics that are used to cover the natural tooth which may be chipped, cracked or damaged. These crowns are fixed into place and completely cover the visible part of the existing tooth above the gum line. Dentist generally recommend teeth crown treatment to provide strength and also improve the appearance of weak or damaged teeth.

When is a Dental Crown Necessary?

A dental crown may be necessary for two major purposes – functional reasons or cosmetic reasons.

Functional reasons

Dental crowns help to provide support to a fragmented or decayed tooth. If a tooth has been subjected to repeated fillings on multiple sides, its structure can grow weak, and tooth crowns can support such teeth. If you are missing a tooth, a dental implant can be used to fill the gap, and the implant can be covered with a crown for protection.

Broken teeth can be restored using crowns and teeth worn out by grinding can also be restored with dental crowns. Our Roswell dentist also recommend dental crowns to fortify teeth that have grown brittle after receiving root canal treatment.

Cosmetic reasons

Dental crowns are often used to cover teeth with a unattractive appearance. Teeth that have undergone decay, or stained teeth that do not respond to whitening treatments can be hidden by placing porcelain crowns over them. If you have large spaces between teeth or wish to have your teeth rotated or reshaped, the dentist will recommend the use of dental crowns.

Tooth crowns may also serve as a support for other cosmetic dental treatments or as anchors in dental bridges.

What to Expect From Crown Treatment?

Dentists in Roswell GA provide crowns made of different materials such as ceramics, stainless steel, metal blends and composite resins. To fabricate the crown, the dentist will consider not just your preferences, but also important factors such as the tooth’s location, its visibility when you smile and it’s utility.

Before beginning crown treatment, the dentist will examine the tooth using x-rays. If they find extensive decay or a risk of infection, they may recommend a root canal treatment before the crown treatment.

Steps in Crown Treatment

Crown treatment generally requires multiple sessions.

• First the dentist will separate the outer tooth part for the crown to fit, removing any decay that may be observed. If support is necessary for the crown, they will construct a supplementary structure.
• Next, the dentist takes an impression of the affected tooth, and sends it to the crown manufacturer. You will be fitted with a temporary crown until the final crown arrives.
• In the final stage, the permanent crown is placed with precise adjustments and once you approve its appearance and comfort, the dentist seals it in place.

Teeth crown treatment is an extensive procedure and you must undertake it only if really necessary. For an honest appraisal of your dental condition and whether it requires a dental crown, consult the dental experts at Dentist Roswell, GA at 770-998-8116 or fill this online contact form.

Here are some Healthy Teeth tips for kids. It can be an uphill task to encourage your kids towards healthy teeth. These tips will help you maintain better dental care habits in children.

Food Habits

Cheese, lean meat, fruits, vegetables, and nuts are great food options for teeth and overall health as compared to candies, chips, cookies, and cakes. Children may need a bit more encouragement to include healthy options in their diet. They can get uncomfortable when without complete control over their diet and do not prefer eating unfamiliar food. These tips can help make the process of improving eating habits fun for your kids:

• Allow your kid to bring their favorite teddy or toy figure to the table. Children tend to feel more comfortable and open to trying to new food when they can “feed” it to another first.
• Make it a habit to keep healthy food available. No child is going to wait for you to wash apples, chop carrots or dice cheese when they are hungry.
• You can make it easier on your kids by giving them a list of healthy snacks. Take them to the supermarket and allow them to fill the basket. You can pay at the checkout after praising them on their choice. You can make things more interesting by putting the healthy snacks in a special box at home and labeling it with their names.
• Sugary and starchy foods should always be reserved for mealtimes.  The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (AAPD) states that these types of food served during mealtime reduces the likelihood of cavities.

Oral Hygiene Habits

As a parent, you should be in charge of brushing your children’s teeth till they are 8 years old. The AAPD states that parents should also floss their kid’s teeth till 10 years of age. It is important that you keep adding fun things to the routine which can make things more interesting for your kid as opposed to a dull task. Make sure you brush at the same time since children learn from mimicking their elders.

Dental Visits

Dentist visits are an important aspect of good oral health. By inculcating this habit early on in your kids, you would make it easy for them to maintain a beautiful smile later on. These tips should help you get started on dental visits:

• It is important to start young. This will help your child identify dental visits as a normal task. Children should have their first dental visit around the time the first tooth appears. AAPD explains that the first visit should be no later than the first birthday.
• Always stay calm during dentist visits and allow the dentist to handle any fuss created by your child.

Prevent Harmful Effects of Sugar

While you cannot remove sugar completely from your kid’s routine, it is recommended that you reduce it to a large extent. This will allow them to enjoy greater oral health. Here are some other tips:

• Save sugary treats, like soda, cookies, candies, and pies for mealtime. Saliva produced in the mouth is greater during these times that helps protect their teeth.
• Encourage your child to drink more water. This will help in frequent flushing of the mouth and will reduce the instances of cavities.

Your kids can enjoy better teeth throughout their childhood and into adulthood with the right habits. Consult the Roswell Dentists at Sunshine Smiles Dentistry to help maintain healthy teeth in your kids. Give us a call today at 770-998-8116 or schedule your kids dental checkup online.

Why are my gums receding?

Gum recession or gingival recession occurs when the gum tissues peel back or recede from their original position around affected teeth. This makes the

gum position itself lower, leaving roots of teeth exposed. The condition is more painful than it sounds. There are numerous causes for gum recession and recognizing the exact cause is important for identifying the right course of treatment.

What are the common reasons for gum recession?

Aggressive oral hygiene routine

It is important to be careful and enthusiastic about your oral health, but there is something as being too enthusiastic. If you are being hard on yourself or overdoing things, you could be paving the way for adverse effects, including receding gum line. Brushing should not become teeth scrubbing as per the Journal of Periodontology Online. Always use a toothbrush with soft bristles. While it is important to clean your teeth thoroughly, you should not have to experience any pain.

Hereditary

Your gums, like the rest of your physical attributes, have genetic characteristics. You are at a high risk of receding gums if any or both your parents complained of it. Research states that genetics are the primary cause for 30% receding gum cases, even after maintaining great oral health.

Bruxism or teeth grinding

Teeth grinding can be a dangerous habit and result in numerous oral and physical health issues. It can cause morning headaches, TMJ disorder and receding gums among several other maladies. You should consult your dentist for mouth guards and other treatment options if you suffer from bruxism.

Gum tissue trauma

Your gum tissues may fail to heal properly after undergoing a severe traumatic injury. This may cause receding gums.

Poor dental care

Oral hygiene involves proper brushing, routine flossing, and using a mouthwash only when necessary. Not following these steps can result in poor dental hygiene. This can further lead to plaque build-up and tartar. If you do not have your teeth professionally cleaned after build-up of tartar or calculus, it may result in gingival recession.

Hormonal changes in women

Women experience fluctuations in their hormone levels several times during their lifetime. These hormonal fluctuations can leave the gums at a high risk of diseases and recession.

Tobacco use

People who use tobacco products develop a sticky plaque like substance on their teeth. This is tough to remove and can place the gums at a high risk of gingival recession.

Teeth clenching

A tremendous amount of pressure is applied on gum muscles and nerve endings when you clench your teeth, which can result in the gums receding.

Misaligned bite or crooked teeth

Some teeth experience more pressure than others while chewing and biting when all your teeth are not aligned. This uneven pressure distribution can result in receding gums.

 Lip or tongue piercing

Gum tissues get irritated with jewelry, which can steadily wear them out. This is one of the reasons of receding gums.

How to deal with receding gums?

Gum recession is painful at best and can result in several other oral health complications. It is important that you consult with an experienced dentist at the earliest sign of gingival recession. Call Sunshine Smiles Dentistry at +1 (770) 998-8116 or contact us online to book an appointment today. Sunshine Smiles Dentistry is located in Roswell, Georgia close to Marietta, Canton, Johns Creek, Sandy Springs and neighboring communities.